I'm trying to figure out the best way to check the surface bean temperature in my popcorn popper. I usually go by smell and look, but I verify with my infrared gun. Typically I'll go just after first crack ends, which usually takes ~7mins and ends up being around 430 degrees. What I'm confused about is my gun (http://www.thermoworks.com/products/ir/irgun.html) is 12:1, meaning at 12" away it measures the temperature of a 1" diameter. The closer I hold the gun to the beans, the higher the temp I get. For example, if I hold the gun 12" away from the beans at the end I get a reliable 430. Holding the gun 6" away returns a temp of 438-440. I'm curious which one is more accurate and reliable to use. I will say that holding it 12" away typically has first crack starting between 400-403 on almost every bean I've roasted so far. Does that sound about right?

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